If there were any way to restore the old relationship
A song from "Kokin Wakashuu," a Japanese Imperial poetry anthology of the tenth century.
Falling Daybreak
that I had with you...
You were simply marvellous earlier!
Keep up the good work when you're outside too.
Umm, sure, I will.
By the way,
why were you waiting to ambush me?
I don't have any ulterior motives.
I thought that we could leave at the same time tomorrow.
So I came to see you about it.
You did?
Actually, I had another goal in mind as well.
I also came here to borrow a talented person who might be helpful in my work.
Your work?
Since Ginshu's been in this state, the misdeeds of the ayakashi have continued to increase.
No matter how many helpers we have, there are never enough.
Then you're an ayakashi hunter too?
You might say so.
Then you can see ayakashi too.
Me?
Hadn't you realized that?
I discarded my eyesight.
That was so I could gain the power to sense ayakashi.
The price was a bargain.
You went through all that...
Oh? You think it wasn't worth it?
No, that's not what I meant!
Of course, I think it's right to eradicate evil spirits.
Spirits have hearts of humanity and justice, thus allowing them to make distinctions of good and evil?
Is that what you mean?
You really do seem like a tender-hearted boy.
Not particularly...
And oh so shady along with it.
You seem to be awfully sympathetic to ayakashi, and kind as well.
It all makes me very uneasy.
I'm afraid I'm not the sort to give my trust easily.
And so I will continue to keep an eye on you in the outside world too.
Have a good day.
Then, I may ask for your help outside.
You know,
I never thought people were all that kind to begin with.
That's why I think people have to make an effort to be kind and just.
Well, I wonder.
When you look at me with those sincere eyes of yours,
it's the only time I feel that I'm being sincere.
Toki, thank you for believing in me.
You're my lucky star.
Recently, I've been remembering his words a lot.
Toki...
What's the matter with you? What are you up to?
Sorry, sorry. I was spacing out.
We were told to rest in this room.
Hurry up and come in.
This will warm you up.
What? What happened?
Did the impact mess up your head?
He's probably got bugs growing in his brain tissue.
Man, I feel better.
You've been under stress recently, yet you keeping trying to look strong.
Pulling serious faces that don't suit you.
Toki doesn't want you to say that to him.
What the hell do you mean by that?
You're the one who's been looking gloomy.
Finding fault with other people's expressions is beyond your responsibilities.
Who's gloomy? Who did you call gloomy?
You were about to cry, but the minute you ate something, you were all better.
You're a simple creature.
What the hell!
Good work.
But, I ended up causing more trouble for you guys.
I'm sorry.
Don't push your luck, idiot.
It's not as if we did all that for your sake.
I was only doing what I wanted to.
You've got that right.
The main reason he wants to stay behind here is that it's too much hassle coming and going down that road.
That was very perceptive of you.
You bastard, do you think I'm stupid?
Does it show?
They've started again.
Right, Toki. Let's leave him as he is and go to bed.
We've got an early start in the morning.
What? Here?
You don't like the room?
Just deal with it. They did this for our—
That's not it.
Uh, it's bad in all sorts of ways for boys and girls to sleep in the same room,
and I think it'd be better if we didn't...
If you want to be alone with him, then just say so!
Sorry for bothering you!
No, that's not what I meant!
Let her be. She's just embarrassed.
She's not used to being treated like a girl.
I see.
You're pretty much the only one who does treat her like a girl.
Shamon treats her like a kid, and I think of her as a monster.
She is rather harsh on you.
Well, since you turned up, she's changed a little.
Has she become more feminine?
I don't know about that,
but she still lives her life favoring the practical over the aesthetic.
Don't treat her like a lady too much, though.
If she starts being sexy all of a sudden, it'll freak me out.
What are you talking about?
A man who can't be nice to women is a waste of space.
Whatever, you idiot.
Let's get to sleep early tonight.
We'll be busy again tomorrow.
I'll do fine by myself, so don't worry.
Do what you think is best.
Yeah, I'll do that.
I think you should understand, because I've told you this so many times, but...
be a good kid until I come back, Tokidoki.
Yeah.
Listen, this might be the last time we meet,
so say goodbye like it's the last time.
Yeah!
C'mere.
Suou!
Toki!
Okay, Tokidoki, I give up.
That hat's your memento for today.
Take good care of it.
I'll want to use it when I get back, so don't get it dirty.
Where are you going?
The usual places: the supermarket, then the barbershop.
I'll be back a bit late.
See ya!
It'll be rice-in-an-omlette for dinner!
Learn to cook something else for a change, moron!
Shut up, brat!
Moron times three!
In hindsight, a memento sounded kind of ominous.
But back then, I just took it for granted.
Then let's be on our way, okay?
You even kicked me in the face!
All right, I said I'm sorry!
You think "sorry" is good enough? And it stunk...
I bet you hadn't even washed your feet.
Hey!
You're noisy, and it's only morning!
Hurry up and make yourselves presentable!
Tsuruume-san, you're wearing a different outfit than usual.
Uh, well, yeah.
My usual kimono stands out a bit too much for going outside.
I don't want to wear this, but I guess I have to.
Your other kimono's great, it looks cool, but this one also suits you.
Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-What the hell?
Hey, jerk!
If you have something to say too, then just come out and say it!
It's nothing.
Liar!
Toki!
Shinshu-chan!
Good morning.
Your kimono today is cute too.
This is my going-outside kimono.
Does it suit me?
Yeah, it really suits you.
Really?
Yeah.
Everyone,
the preparations for breakfast are done.
Please come this way.
Sure!
Shinshu-chan, let's go eat.
Yeah!
Food, food...
Umm...
I'm going already.
Thanks for the meal.
Huh?
Now that I think of it, where's Ginshu-san?
The sunlight doesn't agree with her health, so she's sleeping inside.
She apologized for being unable to see you off,
and said to take good care of Shinshu.
Yes.
We'll be leaving as soon as preparations are complete.
Okay!
I'll follow later and catch up with you.
Huh?
I thought you were coming with us.
It's hard for me to keep up with you young people.
I've sent one of my subordinates to show you around the town,
so you needn't worry.
See you later then.
It's no fun getting old, is it, Sasaki-sama?
It's all right.
It's the duty of dignitaries to scold and nag from above.
That seems to suit you very well, Sasaki-sama.
You were picking on some youngsters just yesterday, weren't you?
Eavesdropping is a fine pastime, Kurotobi.
Unfortunately, that's my job.
But that kid, he talked back to you. He must've been saying things
that rather resemble your own pet theory.
Kurotobi, what is your point?
If you yap too much, then you'll lose your tongue.
My, how terrifying.
Well, I have a report from the town.
A guy with an unusual appearance was seen accompanying a townsman to Nihonbashi.
Who is it?
Judging from the aura, it seems that one of them might be an ayakashi.
Go after it.
Orders understood, sir.
Somebody fixed the hanging blinds.
Now they're back to how they were before.
See you then. Look after yourself.
Shinonome,
hold out your hand.
O-O-O-Ow!
What the hell are you doing?
Here you go.
Look after it for me.
When I part ways with someone, I always make a big deal of it.
I'll come back, so you can return it to me then.
I promise.
You really are making a big deal of it.
It's my "jinx." I have to do it.
Aw, man.
All right, hold out your hand.
Shinonome?
Here.
Don't take too long returning it.
Sure.
They have gone.
How is your health?
It is fine.
Besides, this might be the last time I set eyes on them.
Why did you choose to stay behind here?
I'm not supposed to say this myself,
but you seem to be the one withholding the most information at the moment.
I'd like to hear it.
I see.
What would you like to know?
Right now, only you and I are here.
I do not mind answering you.
In that case, first,
why didn't you tell him to lift your curse from the outset?
Shouldn't that have come before asking him for his help?
I have another question as well.
If you can really see the future of this world, how much do you know?
You know who this Teiten really is, don't you?
The gods alone are party to Teiten's true identity.
Though Bonten would...
sunrise
"bon" from Bonten
"koku" from Kokuten
No...
If it were Kokuten, the closest existence to Teiten, then possibly...
"ten" from Teiten
I thought Kokuten's identity wasn't actually known.
You know better than I, do you not?
The yakou is Kokuten.
Him?
It is kept confidential to avoid spreading panic among the people.
So Teiten is in league with the ayakashi.
No. The yakou is an enemy to the ayakashi as well.
The yakou drives ayakashi mad,
drives people mad,
drives the world itself mad.
And if such a thing is closest to Teiten...
It means that this world, Amatsuki, might be driven to madness by its own creator's intent.
If I were to attempt to foil that plan,
Teiten would not even let me try,
and even the Blank Page could not save my life.
He went to try and lift the deadly curse on you.
Doesn't he have the power to alter heaven's net?
Perhaps you will understand if I rephrase myself.
This curse upon me isn't a curse that will lead to my death.
It is a curse that keeps me from dying.
Give me your soul!
Well, purification completed, for the seventh monster.
What just happened then?
Why did the box suddenly break in half?
It must be nice not being able to see it, really.
It's all right. Most parts of the premises have been purified.
Oh? It's morning already, is it?
Sorry to keep you all night.
No, no,
I suggested it in the first place.
I admit I didn't expect it to take quite this long, but...
It seems strange though.
These buildings aren't derelict,
yet so many spirits have gathered at this one house.
These peculiar sounds have started to be heard only recently,
but it's ominous how, day by day, matters grow worse.
And then yesterday...
What's going on here?
It came from the storehouse.
The storeroom always has a water tank in it to keep it humid.
It should've been impossible for even a spark to occur in there.
Something must be in that storehouse.
I searched in there first,
and I couldn't find even one evil presence.
It looks as though ordinary methods won't work here.
Would you mind if I took a short rest?
Of course not.
In that case, I'll go make preparations for breakfast.
On the contrary, that storehouse is brimming with a noble aura.
It feels practically like the grounds of a shrine.
Tonight...
I shall finally come to you tonight...
to take you back.
Hey, Gen-san,
I brought the goods you ordered.
You should not have remained behind.
It pains my heart that you have been caught up in all this.
I was being somewhat naive,
and that is why I made such a request of him.
But he said of his own accord that he would lift my curse,
and since Shinshu has now left the shrine,
this must be the right course after all.
I must take the course that I believe in,
and keep those who must be protected from harm.
That is the responsibility that comes with the name of Ginshu.
Good night.
I am glad you were here to listen to me.
I wanted someone to know.
Or do I just feel that way due to lingering regrets?
This life that was gone long ago...
Why should I regret it?
And despite all of that, will you again shed tears,
Bonten?
I won't let you be the only one to be freed from a curse,
Ginshu.
Please wait here until the master arrives.
Man, this mansion is huge.
Whose house is this?
It's useless to think about that.
After all, this place isn't part of the human world.
Isn't it obvious after seeing that nue and the child just now,
that you've stumbled into a pretty ominous place?
A nue?
What's that?
Wh-What is it?
If you want to say something, tell me straight.
You're blockheaded,
simple,
and oblivious.
You do things without thinking about the consequences.
You're sure to end up dead by the side of the road somewhere.
What did you say that for?!
You're the one who told me to!
If you want to argue, then bring it on.
No, even I can kind of see that it's true.
Besides, you're not a normal human, are you?
How long have you known?
From the start, of course!
It'd be pretty strange if I thought you were normal, given that weird getup of yours.
I guess.
I'm sorry to say, but when it comes to weirdos, I know a few already.
In the first place, when you fell on top of me,
I thought you were a bit strange.
You look around the same age as me, but you only weigh as much as a baby.
Despite that, you have superhuman strength, and you're remarkably agile.
I couldn't possibly think you were human after that.
So why didn't you run away?
I would've run away if you had done anything outrageous to me,
but you treated my wounds, and you seemed to be having difficulties.
Is that all?
Sure.
You've had people run off and leave you with the bill before, haven't you?
Are you really this idiotic?
How can you bring yourself to accompany a stranger?
Don't you have any sense of caution?
It's okay.
If you did something bad to me,
then it'd be my own fault for being a poor judge of character!
As a native of Edo, I'm prepared for the worst!
Edo has long been a gathering place for vagabonds.
Asking people about their pasts and backgrounds just isn't done.
People can get on pretty well without knowing stuff like that about each other.
Weirdo.
By the way, I don't think I introduced myself earlier.
I'm called Heihachi.
Nice to meet you.
I'm Tsuyukusa.
You didn't have to be nice.
I apologize for keeping you waiting.
I am afraid the master has some business to take care of.
Please forgive the discourtesy.
This smell...
It's human blood, isn't it?
Is the madness of the yakou so powerful?
Have you forgotten that the flesh and blood of humans is poison?
Have you forgotten that?
Why are you getting so agitated?
Is it your job to kill human beings?
Have you fallen so far, Inari?!
You were the one who refused my plea for help.
You do not have any right to complain if I ask someone else for assistance.
No,
I hold no grudge.
I am merely glad that you came to me.
By the way,
why is there a human here?
You just—
Heihachi!
Next Episode
Episode Eight Silk Flower Sleeps
Episode eight: Silk Flower Sleeps.